RAPID CITY, S.D. – Texas A&M International University men's soccer kicked off the 2019 campaign by earning a 2-1 non-conference road win over the South Dakota School of Mines Hardrockers from Sioux Park Stadium in Rapid City, S.D. on Friday afternoon. The Dustdevils now improve to 2-0-1 in opening games since 2017. 

In the 10th minute of play Dustdevil midfielder Ruben Nielsen was awarded a penalty kick. Hardrocker goalkeeper Riley Dunne was unable to stop Nielsen's shot that found the bottom left corner of the goal that gave TAMIU an early 1-0 lead.

In the 20th minute, defenseman Keanu Born found Nielsen for his second goal of the match that extended their lead to two (2-0). The goal marked Nielsen's second career two-goal performance since Oct. 27, 2018 when he helped the Dustdevils conclude the 2018 season with a 3-2 win against Rogers State.

The Hardrockers battled back in the 45th minute as George Martinez put a ball past Dustdevil goalkeeper, Josh Jones that sent a 2-1 game into intermission.

Midfielder Charlie Michel fired off the first shot of the second half but it was sent away by Dunne in the 48th minute.

The Hardrockers tried to come up with the equalizer as they took three shots on goal in the second half including Travis Shewan's shot in the 85th minute but Jones was able to protect the one-goal advantage and settle the 2-1 final.

Jones faced a total of four shots for the Dustdevils while Dunne made seven saves for the Hardrockers in defeat.

TAMIU held the advantage in shots (22-9), shots on goal (9-5) and corner kicks (5-2).

The Dustdevils will remain in Rapid City, S.D. Sunday, Sept. 8 for a non-conference showdown against the University of Mary Marauders at 12 p.m. from Sioux Park Stadium.